I’m always the first to complain when a brand launches a new device, and it is almost identical to the current model. So it’s only fair that I call out when we do get an upgrade worthy new product, and the new 2021 Apple iPad Pro tablets are just that.
Apple iPad Pro (2021)
Estimated reading time: 6 minutes
Last year when the 2020 model was released, Apple went to great lengths to point out the power of the device. This time around, it just had to mention M1. The new Apple M1 chip has been a huge success in the MacBook line up and has now arrived on the iPad Pro.
Add this to some great new features to the front-facing camera, super-fast 5G connectivity, a new 2TB storage option, Thunderbolt 3, and a gorgeous new Liquid Retina XDR display to the 12.9″ version, and I think many iPad Pro users will be upgrading their tablets very soon.
Apple began the presentation by highlighting that the new 2021 iPad Pro is 75 times faster than the original iPad.
5G Connectivity
2021 iPad Pro has had not one but two speed boosts from Apple. The most important, though, is 5G. Due to the security risks of public Wi-Fi, I always promote the use of cell and/or personal Wi-Fi hotspots. With 5G enabled, travellers, will be able to get a much faster and more secure wireless connection when away from home.
And, with the 5G rollout happening at pace globally, there will be more and more places for you to take advantage of these speeds, but this is only when you choose the Wi-Fi + Cell option configuring a new iPad Pro.
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At the base of the iPad Pro, the USB-C port now has Thunderbolt and USB 4, which will transform the tablet into a true workhorse with even more compatibility to external accessories and up to 40Gbps data transfer speeds with devices such as external drives.
Front Cam Upstages Main Cam
It’s usually the main rear camera that gets all of the attention on launch day; however, Apple has stuck with the same rear dual-lens 12MP Wide & 10MP Ultra Wide set-up with 2x Optical zoom. Which on a tablet is more than sufficient for most users and can capture 4K or 1080p HD video.
In a time where most people are now using the Front cam more to stay in touch with family or colleagues, Apple has turned its attention there. There’s been a modest increase up to a 12MP TrueDepth with Ultra-Wide camera, and the front now includes 2x Optical Zoom.
Thanks to the M1 chip and the new camera, Apple unveiled Center Stage during the 2021 iPad Pro event. This new feature, currently only available on this new Pro line up, can adjust and pan the camera to ensure the user remains in the centre of the picture, making use of a much bigger field of view.
It even benefits from machine learning and can adapt the view if a second person joins you by zooming in/out to provide the perfect frame.
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New Display & Hardware
Historically Apple has kept its iPad Pro models at the same level of specifications except for the display size. This changes in 2021, with the larger 12.9″ getting a new Liquid Retina XDR display.
To achieve this new display while keeping the weight and size to a minimum, Apple created a new Mini LED technology and then packed 10,000 of them into the iPad Pro 12.9″
The same 4 speaker configuration is used on the new Pro models as before, but the internal storage has increased with a 2TB option added to the configuration page. Whilst that might sound great be warned, it adds an extra $1,000/£1,000 to the price!
Impressively, Apple has maintained up to 10 hours of battery performance from last year across both iPad Pro models in 2021 with the help of the M1 chip, which is at the heart of every improvement to this generation.
Finally, the Apple Pencil 2 and Magic Keyboard are both supported accessories and enhance the experience in using the Pro. The Magic Keyboard also now comes in a new white colourway.
Apple iPad Pro 2021 Specifications
| iPad Pro 11″ | iPad Pro 12.9″ | |
| Dimensions | 247.6 x 178.5 x 5.9mm | 280.6 x 214.9 x 6.4mm |
| Weight | 466g | 682g |
| Colour Options | Silver Space Grey | Silver Space Grey |
| Storage Options | 128GB 256GB 512GB 1TB 2TB | 128GB 256GB 512GB 1TB 2TB |
| Display | 11″ Liquid Retina | 12.9″ XDR Liquid Retina |
| Battery | Up to 10 hours | Up to 10 hours |
| Connectivity | Bluetooth 5.0 Wi-FI 6 5G (wifi+cell only) USB-C Thunderbolt Smart Connector | Bluetooth 5.0 Wi-FI 6 5G (wifi+cell only) USB-C Thunderbolt Smart Connector |
| Accessories (not included) | 2nd Gen Pencil Magic Keyboard Smart Folio Keyboard | 2nd Gen Pencil Magic Keyboard Smart Folio Keyboard |
| Speakers | 4 | 4 |
| In the Box | iPad Pro 11″ USB-C Charge Cable 20W Power Adapter | iPad Pro 12.9″ USB-C Charge Cable 20W Power Adapter |
iPad Pro 2021 Pricing
The 2021 Apple iPad Pro pricing will start at $799/£749 for the Wi-Fi only 11″ model. On the larger 12.9″ version, it’s $1,099/£999.
Pre-orders will begin on April 30th from the Apple store, with shipping starting from mid-May.